Howdy, I just inherited the building of 29 cherry or birch radiator covers. The architect/designer has spec’d single sided MDF veneer (3/4) for the top and sides. They are to be insulated w/ 1/2″ foil foam. The longest of the 6 sizes is 68″. Will MDF stand up to the heat? Is MDF suitable for Kreg screwing the face frame to? I always wonder about anything that an architect has spec’d.
Thanks, Carp
1 Thes 4:11…..mind your own affairs, and work with your own hands……
Replies
mdf will work fine as radiator covers,i've built many. with a kreg jig or any other, the real issue is the weak holding power when screwing thru the edge of mdf, its major drawback. hence, good joinery should be used to overcome this.
Edited 5/25/2005 10:02 am ET by jackplane
JP, thanks. would the addition of glue be suffient to make up for the screws not holding properly? these radiator covers tend to become "window seats"..... I'm leary of the f/f not staying attatched to the sides. I can dado them in a 1/4 w/ glue and then screw 'em????? ply-core sounds much easier and "safer" to me........ thoughts?
Carp1 Thes 4:11.....mind your own affairs, and work with your own hands......
Is it possible for you to post a sketch of the basic plan?I don't think standing up to the heat is a problem with MDF, and certainly it will hold together with the Kreg system if you add glue. I assume you are also thinking about structural issues. If you anticipate people will be sitting on them, you had best add a structural member between the sides (across the top) and make sure that the front facade is designed so weight can be transferred to the floor.********************************************************
"I tend to live in the past because most of my life is there."
-- Herb Caen (1916-1997)
Since you've got 29 to do, i'd pin these together with glue, not screw em.A well fitted rabbett joint glued and pinned with an air nailer works fine. Ply is more expensive. With three sides and a top, good veneer on mdf is what I'd do, unless the job is spec'd otherwise.
I generally try and skip nail/pin holes if I can help it. the rabbet is no problem. The concern I have is the soft mdf being kreged in to the cherry......... I just read through a boat load of archives and became more bewildered........ one suggestion was to use ploy glue ............pl-3000.......?
I got into this because I am working on a building circa 1904 which is being condoed..... I'm resurrecting the original case work...... the cabinet company had the covers in their contract and is dropping the ball...... also the 3 radiator covers that they did mange to deliver looked as though they where made in my son's 7th grade shop class. I'm under the gun to get 3 done after that I can work on the rest as a cash cow "side job".
I do plan to beef up frame by adding a 1x3 plywood stretcher across the back and a center cleat to help give the top some added support....... I'm open for any suggestions...... Carp1 Thes 4:11.....mind your own affairs, and work with your own hands......
A few things:
If you're disinclined to use a nail gun, clamps will do the job. The glue is what counts. With screws alone it'll squeak, pins alone-it won't hold up.
Plywood does not make for a good cleat, say as a 1x4, with the long edge running up/down and horizontal, it still flexes a good bit.I'd use poplar or a solid wood.
As nikkiwood mentioned, if a cover might be sat on reinforce it or design a center leg.
Radiators are not supposed to "steam" except when the system is being bled, and a neoprene hose can be attached to carry it away.Anyway the covers are wrapped in foil inside and should be okay.
Poly glue offers no advantage here that I see.Some folks like it.
Edited 5/25/2005 3:19 pm ET by jackplane
I assumed you were talking about building the enclosures with plywood with an MDF (or what is called a fiber) core.Surely, you're not thinking of using plain MDF, and then gluing a veneer to the exterior surfaces, right? That would be way more work than necessary for a job like this, and unnecessary to boot.********************************************************
"I tend to live in the past because most of my life is there."
-- Herb Caen (1916-1997)
single sided mdf cherry and birch 3/32s veneer..........1 Thes 4:11.....mind your own affairs, and work with your own hands......
I've got to get back to work!!!!! thanks for all of the help! My supplier is ripping the sheets for me........ my shop is in my basement and I have an excellent dust system to keep my wife happy but I don't want that much toxic dust floating around. Previous to this, I've only used mdf for fixtures and jigs, which I do laminate. I always make my curved templates out of the stuff, again adding a strip of laminate to the egde. I'll post some pixs after I get going. Thanks, Carp1 Thes 4:11.....mind your own affairs, and work with your own hands......
I'd worry about formaldehyde outgassing as MDF is as much glue as it is wood 'product.'
Edited 5/25/2005 3:32 pm ET by cstan
MDF will be fine...until the radiator vents steam, then you'll have nice veneer glued to mush. I'm speaking from experience.
Tony
these covers are easily removed, even if I add a rear leg for support purposes..... and they have all new combination valve/bleeders..... if one of these really expensive valves blows...... then my plumber buddy can deal with the warranty......lol Carp1 Thes 4:11.....mind your own affairs, and work with your own hands......
to be insulated w/ 1/2" foil foam..
I have old radiators in my home... I love em!.. Well until ya have to fix one!..
Just a question.. Why would you insulate one?
They heat by radiation... Maybe some behind the radiator??
I'm confused...
the foil foam idea is from researching other manufacturers...... the foil foam forces the heat out through the slats more efficiently and the arched opening of the bottom rail acts like a cold air return....... made sense to me.......1 Thes 4:11.....mind your own affairs, and work with your own hands......
researching other manufacturers..
Well, if they say so! I go along with it..Not trying to get you less work.. However I would look into Metal covers.. Some places still make them..
You could get them AND trim in wood style for the user.....
Just me though..
By the way.. I have no idea but MDF mass should add to heat collecting of a radiator..
I saw a old house once.. Had Bricks under the radiators.. Absorb heat and hold it...
IT REALLY WORKS!.. It was Steam heat.. I have Hot Water..
I would NEVER have Hot air heat!
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